Discover a fabulous French-speaking musician, born in Senegal to a Jali storyteller family. Youba Cissokho is a 72nd generation kora player. The kora, or a type of harp made from a calabash gourd, was commissioned by West African kings to recount songs of folklore and love. Youba wil be accompanied by Paco Samb on the djembe.
The vibrancy of the Western African community can also be experienced on the food scene in Philadelphia with many well established restaurants. A newcomer on South St is Chateau Rouge - African essence, French finesse. For that special evening, they will propose a range of appetizers accompanied with Bissap, a drink made with hibiscus flowers.
An event not to be missed!
Biography
Youba Cissokho fluently plays this traditional Mandinka and Wolof music as well as a modern style made up of jazz, reggae, and Afro beats. His lilting sound and expansive range comes from a lifelong exposure to a rich musical diversity. His father is Issa Cissokho, the saxophone player for the legendary world music group Orchestra Baobab, which blended Latin and Caribbean music with West African styles.
Youba has performed solo all over Africa, Europe, and the United States in cities such as Paris, New York, and Dakar. He also joined Artist-In-Residence and LINES Ballet dancer Adji Cissoko on Center Stage at the Vail Dance Festival and frequently accompanies the Temple University ballet classes and orchestras. Youba has played at venues such as The Philadelphia Art Museum and World Cafe Live as well as on the main stages at Harmonic Earth Festival, Cisko Centre, and Odunde Festival, the largest African American street festival in the U.S. with over 500,000 attendees.
Instagram : @youbacissokho
Website : www.youbakora.com
Youtube : https://youtu.be/wcNukOw8lIA
Instagram: @chateaurouge.philly
*** WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ***
Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Alliance Française de Philadelphie
Language: French / English
Fee: $35 for AF members / $45 for non AF members
Included in the price: Appetizers and Bissap